The iPad is a great device, and it’s still getting better. One of its coolest features is the ability to do more than play games and check email. You can turn your iPad into a handy tool for home use with a few accessories.
For example, you can use it as a security camera to keep an eye on the dog when you’re at work or even on your family while you’re away.
Instead of throwing it away or reselling it for less than the original price, why not repurpose the device and turn your old phone into a security camera?
Can I use my iPad as a security camera?
No, you can’t use your iPad as a security camera. However, the iPad seems like a great security camera because you always have it with you, and it’s very portable.
You can even bring up the camera app with a swipe, and it comes preloaded with a few apps that might be useful for security.
But you can also turn your iPad into a full-fledged security service. All you need is a couple of iOS devices and a security camera app.
So whether you want to keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation or keep an eye on the kids while they’re cooking, you can monitor any home environment with a well-placed iPhone and a security camera app.
You can turn your iPad or old iPhone into a security camera with these apps.
Popular among these iPad security camera apps are the Alfred security camera app, AtHome Camera surveillance app, and Presence security camera app.
There are at least two major problems with using your iPad as a security camera. First, iPads are not designed to record video the way security cameras do.
For example, the iPad doesn’t have an infrared mode, so you can’t use it as a security camera at night. Second, the iPad is not designed to be left running.
How to use iPad as a Security Camera
As a homeowner, you want to protect your property and family as much as possible, but it doesn’t always make sense to pay for an expensive security system.
If you have an old iPad leftover from a previous generation, you can use it as a security camera to keep an eye on your home and family while you’re away, all without spending a penny.
Whether you need to monitor the babysitter while you’re at work, check on the dog sitter while you’re on vacation, or keep an eye on the house while you’re home, this guide will show you exactly how to set up your iPad as a home security camera.
Dozens of incredible Android and iOS apps can turn your phone into a handy smart home gadget and a surprisingly smart security camera (especially if you’re willing to mount it on a wall near an outlet), as well as plenty of inexpensive accessories that can add extra features to your device.
All you need to use your iPad as a security camera is a security camera app for iOS. We recommend the Alfred security camera app.
It is the most widely used app that allows you to monitor and control your home or business from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
Last but not least: If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to monitor your home when you’re not at home, an iPad connected to a security camera may be just the solution you’re looking for.
This DIY solution will save you a lot of money over professional security camera systems.
Best iPad Security Camera Apps
These are the top security camera apps for iPhone users.
1. Alfred Home Security Camera App
If you are looking for the best surveillance camera app to turn an old phone into a security tool, Alfred is your choice.
This superbly designed app installs on two phones: On one, you can use your phone’s camera as a security camera, manage all the settings, and watch the footage.
Not only do you get streaming images on your phone, but Alfred also offers a siren feature, two-way calling, motion detection, and a low-light filter. There’s also a “Circle of Trust” where friends can access the camera themselves if needed.
It even works for multiple smartphone devices with cameras switched for whole-home monitoring. Paid versions are available for advanced storage features.
The downside is that you need a pretty sophisticated smartphone to use all these features, so using an old phone may not be very efficient.
2. AtHome Camera Surveillance App
AtHome Camera Surveillance App is a cross-platform app that works on iOS and Android devices and PCs and smart TVs. This app sets its advanced night vision and facial recognition features that reduce false alarms.
When it detects a human face, it sends a notification with animated images so you can see who’s there.
If your phone has the right sensors, it can automatically start filming when it detects vibrations.
Note that there are two versions of the app, one for the phone that acts as the camera and one for your phone to control, so make sure you download the right options.
3. Presence Security Camera App
Presence is another highly rated app compatible with iOS 11 through iOS 6. Like Alfred, the app requires two iPhones or iOS devices, and you can monitor your home with live streaming video, motion detection, and instant notifications.
What’s special about Presence is that you can also use it to control various compatible sensors connected via Wi-Fi, turning your secure home into a smart home.
Download the Presence app here
4. Cloud Baby Monitor App
The Cloud Baby Monitor app gives you high-quality video and unlimited coverage over Wi-Fi, 3G, or LTE.
It is incredibly versatile and works as a home security camera or baby monitor.
Cloud Baby Monitor alerts you to both sounds and movement and allows you to talk to your little one remotely.
This baby monitor can also play a lullaby or soothing white noise to help your baby fall asleep. In addition, since it is compatible with the Apple Watch, you can receive motion or sound notifications to your wrist wherever you are.
It’s also compatible with your Mac – that goes for both the baby monitor and the security features. With iOS, you can see your baby or home remotely from work (or anywhere).
If you’ve replaced an old phone, it’s hard to know what to do with it.
Of course, you don’t want to throw it in the trash, so it ends up in a landfill, but it also doesn’t do much good sitting at the bottom of your trash, so you might as well do as much as you can with it.
With a simple app download, you can repurpose your old phone and turn it into a security camera or a handy baby monitor (and one that’s small and portable for travel).
The benefit of making your baby, the whole family, and your home safer can be incredibly cheap and even free with this innovative mobile phone recycling concept.
Download the Cloud Baby monitor App here
5. Manything Security Camera App
Anything is a free iOS app that can turn your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into a security camera connected to Wi-Fi. Then you can use a second iOS device as a mobile monitor or choose to keep an eye on things via the Manything web app.
This app offers more than just a security camera; it also has its own IFTTT channel so you can connect it to various web services and connected devices. For example, suppose you have Philips Hue lights in your home.
In that case, you can set them to turn on automatically when Manything detects motion, so your phone acts as both a motion-activated smart switch and a handy home security tool.
Wrapping Up…
You can see that it is straightforward to use your iPad as a security camera using the apps mentioned above. This is an easy way to get a security cam, but your smart home security camera will not be great for the outdoors.
Using your iPad as a security camera will only work for indoor surveillance.